Without You

Summary:
Bella is on her own when she finds the clearing. When Laurent finds her there, her werewolf saviors are nowhere to be found. Is Laurent a good guy, or will his bad side overcome him?
Thanks a jillion to MRSBellaCullenBlack for the wonderful banner!!! :D

Notes:So, I had this story on here for a little bit... but then I deleted it. I totally forget why, actually. So, if you've read it already, you don't have to review... until I put up new updates, that is :)

17. Ten To Zero

Three days later, Laurent burst through the front door. He called about twenty minutes before and said he was coming, so I went into the entryway to wait. It was the longest twenty minutes of my life. The sun had gone down a few hours before, and I was getting tired.

I had enjoyed the days I spent with Carmen and Eleazar well enough. Carmen and I spent hours talking about anything that we could think of, and Eleazar spent his time embarrassing me. He was fascinated at making me blush, and the bad thing was, he was good at it.

Laurent dropped his bag and held out his arms the second he entered. I ran towards him, only to have the breath knocked out of me once I got there. I always forgot how much harder vampires were than humans.

“I missed you!” he exclaimed.

“Me too,” I breathed.

He kissed my forehead.

“Thank God you're back,” said Eleazar, waltzing in from the kitchen. Carmen was right behind him. “Bella has been nothing but a big old pain!”

“I was,” I agreed, nodding. “I did nothing but eat and sleep.”

Laurent smiled. “Eleazar, I think I asked you to keep Bella happy, no?”

“Oh, I did. Just ask her.” He smiled smugly.

Laurent cocked an eyebrow at me.

“Yes, Laurent. He was the picture of hospitality.” I didn't mention how he made me go swimming, run away from a fish he was chasing me with, and then trip because I was so grossed out. It was a lovely little adventure. He was like the little brother I was glad I didn't have.

Laurent frowned. “There is something I need to discuss with Carmen and Eleazar, though. Are you hungry?”

I shook my head. If there was one thing that Carmen and Eleazar made sure of, it was that I was always uncomfortably full. I took the hint, though, and told Laurent that I'd go take a shower.

Before I got in, I inspected very carefully for any spiders. If there was anything that would put a damper on the day, it was a Spain spider... Of course, if Laurent came to my rescue, it wouldn't be that bad. I was just happy he was home.

When I got out, I changed into my comfiest jammies, a tank top and a pa. It would feel amazing to sleep next to Laurent again. I always felt strangely empty when he left a room, let alone the house. I didn't realize before how much he meant to me. I never wanted to be away from him again.

Laurent was waiting for me on the bed when I left the bathroom. He was reading a book, but put it aside when he saw me. He held out his arms and smiled.

I climbed over him, and onto my side of the bed. “I'm so happy you're home.”

“I don't think I can be away from you for that long again. I all but jumped out of the plane and ran here,” he laughed. “Those would be very surprised passengers.”

“Not to mention a pretty irritated pilot,” I said.

He smiled, and pulled me even closer.

“Did you find anything out?” I asked. The whole reason he left was because he was going to go investigate what was happening with Victoria. My nightmares hadn't gotten any better since he left.

“Yes,” he answered reluctantly.

“Well,” I pressed.

“We don't have to worry about it right now.”

“We have to worry at some point?” My heart started beating faster. “Is everyone okay?”

He took my face in his hands. “Bella, you've done nothing wrong. You're going to be safe.”

I shook my head slightly. “It is my fau-”

He interrupted my by pressing his lips to mine. I instantly forgot what was was worried about. It had felt like an eternity since I had kissed him. I wrapped my fingers in his hair, and pulled him closer. He rolled on top of me, but supported all of his weight with his arms. His kisses trailed down my neck, where I was sure he could feel my pulse beating wildly.

“It's. Not. Your. Fault,” he said between kisses. His French accent became more prominent with each word. I got goosebumps, and he laughed.

His lips lingered at the edge of my tank top, and I nodded. His hand crept under my shirt slowly. I shuddered.

We were interrupted, like we always were, by Carmen and Eleazar. They burst into the room, and the two of them looked worried.

“Laurent, Alice just called. Victoria is on her way, and she has people with her,” Carmen ranted. Eleazar was behind her, his hands on her shoulders.

Laurent sat straight up. “What? That can't be! She didn't even know we were here!”

“What's going on?” I whispered.

“Bella, I'm so sorry,” he said. He looked absolutely tortured. “Victoria must have seen my get on a flight here. She'll find us.”

“Is there anything we can do?” I asked quickly.

He paused, thinking it over. “You could... call the Cullens,” he suggested.

My heart dropped. The only one I had talked so since they left was Edward, and I knew he wasn't very pleased with me at all. His family was probably angry at me, too, for telling Edward I didn't want to be with him. They'd be reluctant to help.

“I don't think they'd do anything,” I said.

“Are you kidding?” he asked. “They'd do anything for you!”

I sighed, and held out my hand for the phone. Laurent handed it over, and watched eagerly as I dialed Alice. I figured she was the one that would be most likely to help.

“Bella!” she shrieked.

“Hi, Alice,” I said, tears pooling in my eyes.

“Oh, Bella! Yes, we'll help!” she said. “I've missed you so much, and you know I'd do anything for you.”

I heaved a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Alice.”

“Jasper and I will be in Spain as soon as we can. The rest of us will follow soon after,” she said. “I can't even talk right now. Jasper and I are getting on a plane in about ten minutes.”

“Bye, Alice.”

“Bye, Bella. I love you, and I'll see you soon.”

I hung up, smiling. “She's on her way, and the rest of them will follow her soon.”

“See!” exclaimed Eleazar. “Oh, yeah, and Laurent? You might not want to be doing what you were doing just now. I have a feeling the Cullens wouldn't appreciate it.”

I blushed.

“And the score is now ten to zero!” yelled Eleazar.

Laurent growled. “Remember what I said on the phone?”

Eleazar straightened up. “Carmen, I think we're needed in the kitchen. I hear the plumbing needs to be redone.” He ran from the room, leaving his wife, and a big piece of his manliness, behind.